“Sir, your mom asked me to bring you this cake that she made,” I said calmly.
“Just give it to Miriam and leave,” he said sharply, his eyes serious and piercing as they looked at me. I felt a chill run down my spine at his stern gaze.
He shut the door again, and Miriam took the Tupperware containing the cake from my hands. She noticed that I seemed a bit shaken by Arlo’s harsh tone.
“Sir Arlo is always like that when he’s in a bad mood. He doesn’t care who you are—if he’s upset, he’ll yell at anyone. Are you new as Sir Arlo’s maid?” she asked.
“Yes,” I replied to Miriam.
“That’s why you were startled. Just try to understand him; maybe something is bothering him. We’ve heard rumors before, especially from his former secretary about how a woman left him and married someone else. Don’t worry—it’s just one of those red-flag days for Sir. He’ll cool off eventually. He was on the phone earlier, and that might have made him upset,” Miriam explained to me.
“I’m June,” I introduced myself.
“I’m Miriam, but you already know that,” she said with a smile, and we shook hands.
I didn’t stay long and excused myself. I didn’t want Arlo to suddenly come out and catch me chatting with Miriam—it might get her into trouble.
A few minutes later, I was waiting for a taxi outside Arlo’s company building. When one came by, I quickly flagged it down and told the driver my apartment’s address.
Fortunately, there was no traffic, and I arrived quickly. After paying the driver, I hurried inside, greeted the tower building receptionist, and went straight to my apartment.
Once inside, I rushed to my room, changed clothes quickly, and headed out again.
My phone rang—it was Big Sister Violet on the line. She said everyone was waiting for me for the meeting. I told her I was on my way. I also called my private investigator, instructing them to meet me at the company in two hours.
When I arrived at Davis Company, the employees greeted me warmly with smiles.
“Ma’am, everyone is already in the conference room,” Caroline informed me.
“Thank you, Caroline,” I said gratefully.
I handed my bag to Caroline so she could place it in my office. Slowly, I turned the doorknob to the conference room.
As I opened the door and stepped inside, everyone stood up upon seeing me enter.
I sat down to start the meeting. They explained to me one by one that there were new investors who wanted to invest in Davis Company. They said Bonde’s Company had turned them down because of the large amount of money involved.
“I think I need to consider this first. I can’t agree to any deal until I’ve spoken to my father, David Davis, the Chairman of the company,” I said.
“This would be a big help, Ma’am Lily, to further grow the company,” insisted Mr. James.
“Mr. James, as I mentioned, I need to think about it. Merry Christmas to everyone,” I replied politely.
I stood up and formally announced that the meeting was over. I was the first to leave the room.
“Lily,” called Big Sister Violet.
We went to my office and sat on the purple sofa.
“It seems like there’s something off with Mr. James,” I said.
“I noticed that too. Good thing you gave that response. By the way, let’s change the topic. How are things with Arlo? Did something happen between you two?” Big Sister Violet asked, teasing me.
“What kind of question is that?” I replied, my cheeks turning red at her persistence.
“There is, isn’t there?” she teased further.
I nodded, and she squealed in excitement. It was as if she was more thrilled than I was. I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. She couldn’t sit still, waiting for me to share more.
When I told her about Arlo peeking at me, she squealed even louder. We both burst out laughing. It felt like we were back in our teenage years. Even though I was already 30, I felt a youthful excitement that was hard to contain.
“Maybe he’s in a red-flag mood today,” I said.
“Why do you think so?” Big Sister Violet asked.
I took a deep breath and told her about what happened in Arlo’s office.
“Sis, what if he remembers our past? I’m scared of what he might do,” I said nervously.
“Lily, he won’t do anything bad to you, especially since you have twins together. And I’m sure those twins will have a sibling soon after what happened between you two,” she said, holding my hand.
“Don’t overthink things. What you need to focus on now is how to introduce the kids to him,” she added.
